Dentofacial Characteristics Related to Sleep-Disordered Breathing Screened by PDSS Questionnaire

Abstract

Objective: Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a severe condition which can impair growth and cognitive ability of children. Due to its close relationship with dento-facial morphologies, orthodontists are increasingly involved in the diagnosis and treatment of SDB. The objective of this study was to assess SDB problems among adolescents employing the Pediatric Daytime Sleepiness Scale(PDSS) questionnaire and to identify association between PDSS and dento-facial characteristics.

Method:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 265 teenagers (99 boys and 166girls; age: 13.74±2.01years, range, 11-17 years old) who sought orthodontic treatment at a University teaching hospital. Approval has been obtained from local ethic committee in advance. Participants self-completed the PDSS questionnaires (an eight-item scale). Dento-facial morphologies including extra- and intra-oral characteristics were recorded. Associations between PDSS variables (at item level) and dentofacial characteristics were analysed using the Pearson chi-square test or T test.

Result:

Most (59.2%, 157) experienced a daytime sleepiness event ‘always or frequently’ .Experience of one or more aspects of daytime sleepiness ‘always or frequently’ was associated with brachy face (short face) (P<0.01); and deep-bite (P<0.05). In addition, Class II molar relationship, a large tongue (P<0.01) and increased overjet (P<0.05) were associated with several experiences of daytime sleepiness aspects (items rated as occurring ‘always or frequently’).

Conclusion:

Daytime sleepiness was commonly reported among adolescents seeking orthodontics. Frequency of daytime sleepiness was associated with several dento-facial characteristics (shorter face, deep-bite, molar- relationship, tongue size and overjet).